Window-shade apparatus



July 21, 1925. 1,546,565

T. s. CATLIN WINDOW SHADE APPARATUS Filed Feb, 5, 1922 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 July 21, 1925.

T. S. CATLIN WINDOW SHADE APPARATUS Filed Feb, 5, 1922 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 G5 a June-11h 95% V alien ma T. S. CATLIN WINDOW SHADE APPARATUS July 21 1925.

Filed Feb. 5, 1922 4 Sheets-Sheet S Patented July 21, 1925.

STATES THOMAS S. CATLIN, OF WAVELAND', INDIANA, ASSIGNOR OF THIRTY-FOUR ONE- HUNDBEDTHS 'IO ARTHUR B. TOMPKINS, OF CRA'WFORDSVILLE, INDIANA.

WINDOW-SHAIDE APPARATUS.

Application filed February 3, 1922. Serial No. 533,795.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS S. CATLIN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Vaveland, in the county of Montgomery and Stateof Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in VVindow- Shade Apparatus; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to improvements in window shade apparatus, and has for its primary object the suspension of a window shade in a manner to insure its correctlocation relative to the window at all times.

A further object is the restoration of a window shade to its proper relation with the window when violently drawn out of place and then released.

Another object in view is the, adaptation of the structure possessing the qualifications above recited to windows of varying sizes.

With. these and further objects in view as will in part hereinafter become apparent and in part be stated, the invention comprises certain novel constructions, combinations and arrangements of parts as subse quently specified and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings,-

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of an apparatus embodying the features of the present invention, parts being broken away for the saving ofspace, and parts being seen in section. v

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the same, the roller and parts of the rod being omitted.

Figure 3 is a transverse section taken on the plane indicated by line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 1 is a plan view of a blank such as is employed for forming the rod engaging plate and arms.

Figures 5 and 6 are edge views of the respective end portions of the rod.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure lot a slightly modified embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 is a transverse section taken on the plane indicated by line 88 of Figure 7, the end portion of the bracket rod being seen in elevation and the roller being omitted, i

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 2 of the embodiment seen in Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a front elevation of the bracket plate seen in Figures 7 and 9.

Figure 11 is a view in side elevation of the opposite end portion of the bracket rod from that seen in Figure 8.

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 is a plan viewthereof, the

roller being omitted.

Figure 1a is a fragmentary, side elevation of the end portion of a modified form of bracket rod. a

Figure 15 is a plan view thereof.

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a still further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 17 is a plan view thereof with parts of the bracket rod and theroller omitted.

Figure 18 is a view in side elevation of one of the rod arms detached.

Figure 19 is a similar view of the other rod arm.

Figure 20 is a view similar to' Figure 17 of a slightly modified form of bracket plate and rod engaging plate, the rod being omitted.

Figure 21 is a view inrear elevation of the rod engaging plate of Figure 20, and

Figure .22 is a horizontal section taken on the plane indicated by line 22-22 of Figure 21. 1

Referring to the drawings by numerals, 1 indicates a bracket plate consisting of a flat strip of metal, or other appropriate material, bent at its end portions to form offsets 2, 2, having feet 3, each apertured at t for receiving a tack, screw, or other appropriate fastening means for securing the plate to the trim of the window, the wall, or other place of support for the shade. The plate 1 is formed with a pair of transverse beads 5, preferably stamped from the material of the plate, and extending transversely thereof to form a line of contact with the bracket rod hereinafter described to avoid excess friction. The bracket plate 1 is formed with a slot-like notch or recess 6 opening upwardly for receiving the shank of a button 7 fixed to the rod-engaging plate 8. The shank of button 7 extends through the plate .8 and may be swaged ther in or otherwise appropriately fixed thereto. The rod engaging plate 8 is formed from ablank, such as is illustrated in Figure 4, the blank having an appropriate body "for providing the plate 8, and having arms 9, 9, designed to be curled or bent upward to form spaced apart hooks with their ends brought nearer the body of plate 8 than the lower portions and bent back at 10, 10, to provide restricted spaces between the hooks and the plate 8 through which the bracket rod 11 may be moved laterally by a springing action of the hooks 9. The bracket rod 11 is made of two sections movable relative to each other for enabling the end portions of the rod to be adjusted to various distances apart for receiving and accommodating shade rollers 12 of difierent lengths. The manner of adj ustable movement of the sections of the rod 11 may vary largely without departing from the invention, one means of effecting such adjustment being illustrated and consisting of having one section tubular and the other section telescoping into the first. The end portions of the rod are bent downward to depend vertically, and are again bent for a full scn iicircle to provide upstanding end portions 13 and 1%; The end portion 1 1 is provided with the usual circular aperture 15 for receiving the journal bearing project ing from roller 12, while the end portion 13, is formed with a slot 16 for receiving the flattened end portion of a spring-engaging rod of roller 12 of the usual commercial type.

In operation, the bracket plate 1 is fixed to the window trim, and the button 7 is placed with its shank resting on the bottom of the slot 6 in position for allowing the plate 8 to pivot vertically. The rod 11 is then moved flQm above downwardly and snapped past the curved end portions 10 into the'a'rmstl. The rod sections are then ad justed relative to each other for bringing their end portions in the proper relation and spacing for HCQOHHIIOQlLltlllg the roller 12. The roller 12 with its shade curtain, not illust ated, fixed thereto in the usual man nor, is then introduced by inserting its journal bearing into the aperture 15 and drop ping the flattened end portion of the spring engaging shank at the opposite end of the roller into the slots 16. The rod 11 is then adjusted as a whole to such a position as will ellect an exact balance of the parts to assure the location of the roller 12 in horizontal planes. The structure is then in condition for functioning normally, and the pivot of button 7 assures a return of the parts to the normal horizontal position it swung out of such position and then re leased. The shade upon roller 11 may be drawn downward at an angle by a careless operator, but as soon as the shade is re leased, the rod 11 will adjust itself on its pivot to bring the shade into proper alinement with respect to the window.

In Figures 7 to 11 inclusive is illustrated a modified embodiment of the invention above described in which the usual commercial shade roller 12 is employed and requires no description. In. this structure, a bracket plate 21 is utilized, corresponding in struc ture and function with bracket plate 1, ex-

cept that the slot 22, corresponding with slot 6, is curved to provide an overhang 223 above the base or lower end of the slot. The slot is, therefore, substantially of the bayonet slot type for preventing accidental dislocation of the pivot, hereinafter described. A bracket rod 24; is formed of sheet material, such as sheet metal of sufficient gauge to provide adequate stability. The rod 21 is cut or stamped from a piece of sheet material. with end portions 25, 25 stamped at right angles to the main body of the flat rod 2 1, the pendent portions 25 being twisted at 26 to present flat faces toward the ends of roller 12, and being bent to form return portions 27, 27, one provided with a bayonet slot 28 and the other with. a circular aperture 29. The aperture 29 is designed to re ccive the journal bearing of roller 12, and the slot 28 to receive the flat shank. Midway in the length of the main body of rod 2 1 a tongue is stamped from the material of the rod to extend rcarwardly and is rounded at its edges to produce a pivot 30. The end portion of pivot 30 is turned to provide a lip 30 torn'iing ahead to the pivot 30. The structure seen in Figure 7 and thus described functions in the same manner as that shown in Figure 1, except that the rod 24 is ineX- tensible. Each rod 24: is, therefore, con structed initially to receive a roller 12 of standard size, and the pivot 30 is introduced through the slot 22 to its seat at the base of the slot where it is free to move and permit swinging oil? the rod 2 1- to enable and cause the roller 12 and its shade curtain to readjust themselves to normal position after having been misplaced. It is to be observed that the slot 28 and the slot are of such shape that in the instance of a shade curtain being released suddenly and allowed to roll up violently, the upward impetus cannot cause the flat shank of the roller 12 to jump out of its slot 28 and also cannot cause the rod 2 1 to be lifted out 01"" place, since the pivot 30 would engage the overhang 23 and be prevented from escaping through the slot 22.

In Figures 12 and 13 is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention in which the flat type of bracket rod is rendered adjustable in length, and it will, of course, be observed that the form of bracket rod shown in Figure 7 may be used with a bracket plate identical with plate 1, and this same fact is true with respect to the bracket rod of F igllo me 12; There is, however, illustrated a bracket plate 31 in Figures 12 and 13 adapted to be used in lieu of bracket plate 1 in such locations as provide no desirable vertical surface for the attachment of the bracket plate, bracket plate 31 being constructed in the form of a pendent, substantially U- shaped structure having apertured feet 32, 32 adapted to be fixed to the under face of some horizontal trim. The main part of the bracket plate 31 is formed with a pivot-receiving slot 33 engaged by the pivot of a button 34 fixed to an offset portion 35 of bracket rod 36. The bracket rod 36 is provided with end sections 37, each having clincher tabs 38, 38, arranged to enclose the edge portions of the main part of rod 36, so as to leave the sections 37 free to slide longitudinally along; the main portion of rod 36. The sections 37 are provided with pendent end portions 39, 39, for receiving the shade roller 12. The end portions 39 are identical in structure and arrangement with the end portions 25 of the form of construction seen in Figure 7, and the operation of the parts is the same as that therein described except that the slot 33 is shown as open and offers no protection against the upward movement of the pivot of rod 36. This form of slot may, of course, be successfully used as seen in Figure 1, or a bayonet slot may be sub stituted if desired.

In Figures 14 and 15, there is illustrated a modified form of arrangement of the pendent end portions in their connection to the bracket rod of the flat type. The structure seen in these figures consists of a flat bracket rod 41 having a pendent end portion 42 with the usual return portion 43 for receiving the shade roller. The pendent. portion 42 instead of being cut from the body of sheet material to the pendent position is formed initially as a straight extension of the strip forming the bracket rod 41, and the straight extension is brought to its pendent position by being first folded flat upon the main body portion of the rod 1 and then folded upon along an inclined line 44, which causes the strip of material to extend at right angles to the main body of the rod '41, the right angle part forming the pendent portion 42 and beii'ig twisted at 45 for bringing the return portion 4-3 in the right relation to the engaged roller, not illustrated.

In Figures 16 to 19 inclusive, there is illustrated a still further embodiment of the invention in which a bracket plate 51 is employed corresponding with bracket plate 1 of the type seen in Figure 1 and having a bayonet slot 52 for receiving the pivot of a button 53 fixed to the rodengaging plate 54, having the spring arms 55 sprung into engagement with the bracket rod 56 after the manner described with respect to the structure seen in Figure 1. The rod 56, however,

is an integral rod, having its terminal portions threaded at 57, 57, and engaged by the upper end portion of apertured threaded arms 58, 58. Each of the arms 58 may have its threaded portion formed in any of various ways, but since each arm 58 is preferably made of relatively thin flat material, the threaded end portion of each is formed by bending a part of the material of which the respective arm 58 is formed upon itself or nearly so to parallel spaced relation producing spaced plates 59, 59, each threaded to screw upon the threads 57. The lower end portion of each arm 58 is bent to provide the usual return portion 60, and the return portions 60 of the two arms 58 are formed respectively with a slot 61 and an aperture 62 for receiving the flat shank and journal of the usual shade roller 12.

The operation will be the same as that described with respect to the structure seen in Figure 1, except that the arms 58 are adjusted relative to each other for rollers 12 of different length by being revolved about the rod 56 for threading their threaded portions 59 along the rod to the required location.

In Figures 20, 21 and 22 is illustrated a slightly modified form of bracket plate, rodengaging plate and pivot, all adapted for use in connection with either of the cylindrical forms of bracket rods, the bracket plate being also adapted for use with the other types of rods disclosed. In these figures, the bracket plate 63 is shown as omitting the transverse beads, corresponding with the heads 5 of bracket plate 1, and being provided with the usual feet 64- for attachment to the trim or other support. The plate 63 is formed with the usual pivot-re ceiving' slot 65 on the base of which rests the pivot 66 stamped from the body of the rod-engaging plate 67. The pivot 66 is rounded up and formed with a head 68 after the manner of the construction of the pivot seen in Figure 8. The material of plate 67 along the vertical edges of the aperture formed by the stamping out of the pivot 66 is turned back at 69, 69, and flattened against the face of the plate 67 to form a boss spacing the plate 67 from the outer face of plate 63 and thus preventing frictional contact of the entire surface of plate 67 with plate 63. The rod-engaging plate 67 is provided with the usual spring arms or clips 7 O adapted to receive any appropriateform of bracket rod and to function therewith described with respect to the structure seen in Figure 1.

While several specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated herein, the claims of this application are sufficiently generic to cover all, and specific claims to details not herein claimed are presented in four divisional applications co-pending herewith,

all filed June 15th, 1925, and designated by Serial Nos. 37,098; 37,099; 37,100 and 87,101, respectively.

IVhat is claimed is 1. In window shade apparatus, the combination of a bracket plate having an open notch, and a roller-sustaining bracket rod detachably pivotally engaged in said notch and thereby carried by said plate, the bracket rod being adapted to be lifted tree of the plate through said open notch.

2. In window shade apparatus, the combination of a bracket plate having an open notch, and a roller-sustaining bracket rod having a lateral projection extending into and removably through the open notch and by engagement with said open notch pivot ally supporting the bracket rod on said plate.

3. In window shade apparatus, the combination of a pivotally mounted rod-engaging plate, and a bracket rod adjustably sustained and pivotally carried by said plate, and having end portions adapted to receive a shade roller.

t. In window shade apparatus, the combination of a pivotally mounted rod-engaging plate, and a bracket rod adjustably sustained and pivotally carried by said plate, and having end portions adapted to receive a shade roller, said end portions being adjustable relative to each other.

5. In window shade apparatus, the combination of a pivotally mounted rod-engaging plate having spring arms, and a rod adjust-ably engaged and sustained by said spring arms, the rod having pendent end portions adapted to receive and sustain a shade roller.

6. In window shade apparatus, the combination of a rod-engaging plate having a substantially, centrally-located outstanding pivot, a bracketplate sustaining said pivot, the rod-engaging plate having spring arms at opposite siees of the pivot, and a bracket rod adjustably engaged and sustained by said arms, the rod having pendent end portions adapted to receive and sustain a shade roller.

7. In window shade apparatus, the combination of a bracket rod, and .a pivotal mounting therefor, the bracket rod being formed of telescoping sections for enabling adjustment of end portions of the rod with respect to each other, the said end portions being pendent and formed to receive and sustain a shade roller.

8. IVindow shade apparatus comprising av pivotally mounted rod having pendent end portions, the terminals of the end portions being bent to form upstanding parallel portions, the said parallel portions being formed with openings adapted to receive and sustain the projecting terminal parts of a shade roller.

In testimony whereof I atiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

THOMAS S. GATLIN.

Witnesses HARRY N. FINE, BONNIE MOMULLIN. 

